summer of love

Well, the sun has finally started to shine in London and when you have a baby it means you spend almost all your days in the park. Actually, even if you don't have a baby, it's just I'm in the kiddie park pushing a swing instead of sipping ice cold cider under a tree...
Either way, I have a few little essentials that I put in my bag a few weeks ago and haven't taken them out since. The first is lip balm - my lips get dry in the heat so I usually have a lip balm in every pocket, bag and buggy just in case. I'm a slave to Carex original lip balm for a cold tingle during this heatwave. 
I have also fallen back in love with Liz Earle's Botanical Essence™ No.1 - I love getting a waft of it's bergamot and lavender notes in the summer breeze. Plus, its 98% natural ingredients which as I've said before, as a mummy is a reassuring little nugget.
Finally, I've got Institut Esthederm UV inCellium Spray, which is a godsend in a bottle. it protects the skin against the environment against harmful UV rays - erm, genius. It leaves a gorgeous sheen on the skin too, so no dry or dehydrated cheeks after a day in the sun. Yes please!

Liz Earle Botanical Essence™ No.1, from £47.00

Institut Esthederm UV inCellium Spray 100ml, £31.50

 

mummy's treats

Yesterday was mother’s day. Put your hand up if you had the best intentions and yet you still managed to not get that gift out to your mummy on time? Now that I’m a mummy, I now realise how much mums forgive their children, no matter what. So it’s never too late.

One of the best gifts you can give your mummy is the gift of soft, younger looking hands. And ones that smell amazing to boot.

Nothing beats Korres for gorgeous infusions of nature, they are my utmost favourite. I love this little soap and hand cream duo – bargain price and luxury is at your fingertips. Literally. 
Buy it now, exclusively at Asos! 

gift on the street

How much do you adore Australiana cult beauty brand Aesop?! I love the way they manage to innovate and be so forward-thinking with even the tiniest of things.

I have been (and still am, sometimes) intimidated to try beauty products at beauty counters. It can be frustrating to have an over-zealous assistant asking what you are looking for or if you need help when all you really want to do is browse. I’m curious by nature and I have a habit of smelling everything from hand cream to mascara (really!).

That’s why I love that Aesop have removed the middle man and actually put their testers out on to the street. They are positively encouraging you to try. It’s just a bonus that the hand and body moisturisers on offer are velvety soft, like whipped cream, and smell of childhood lollipops.

There’s a good reason to take your gloves off if ever I heard one. 

http://www.aesop.com 

sweet smell of nature

I (like a lot of girls) have a vast perfume closet to suit every occasion. But, ever since I became a mummy, I suddenly became a lot more aware of synthetic perfumes coming into such close contact with my baby.

I became interested in what I can do to still wear scent but not overpower my baby with a waft of crazy floral overload (I have been known to spritz more than once). In those first few months I simply wore essential oils only such as ylang ylang, lavender or chamomile.

Now I’m ready something a little stronger. Enter Acorelle, a new, 100% natural range of perfumes that are actually designed to enhance your wellbeing – bonus! Rich in essential oils, Tea Garden is a gorgeous, zingy, uplifting scent that is my current pick-me-up of choice throughout the day. It’s like someone raided my tea and spice cupboards and used my favourites to make this scent: mint, cumin lemon and bergamot.

I also particularly like National Trust Garden’s Wild Rose and Camomile. Two of my favourite flowers in one bottle. It’s delicate, floral but not overpowering and has a nostalgia about it that reminds me of my own mum and grandma.

I’d like my scents to create memories for my little girl in the future. 
Acorelle parfums available at Marks & Spencer Beauty and Whole Foods, £29.00
National Trust Garden’s Wild Roseand Camomile, £10.00

Little Fable...

As a busy mum, I’m ashamed to say that sometimes I barely have time to moisturise my face after a shower. Oh dear! This where a miracle skin oil comes in to its own. This particular one, by Balance Me, was a gift by a dear friend at my baby shower and it’s definitely one of the best I’ve tried. If applied on the face straight after a hot shower or bath, any oil will be absorbed by the open pores for maximum moisture. I love the fact that this one is 100% natural origin and soothing ingredients including chamomile instantly restore my skin during winter months.

The moral of the fable is a good face oil is the LBD in your skincare wardrobe – an absolute must-have.

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil, £30.00 

time out has timed out...

 
Sooo, the last few months, well, seven to be exact, beauty mole has gone on a ‘break’ of sorts. A maternity break actually as I’ve welcomed my own little baby in to this word and my life has become a whirlwind of sleepless nights and sore-eyed days. But, with this, emotions of elation, happiness and indescribable joy. However, beauty mole is making a comeback now. Mums still want (and need) to feel pretty an time is of the essence. There is now even less time to spend on complicated regimes, so it’s all about multi-tasking products that do what they say on the tin and don’t lay hard to get. Stay tuned for the new favourites…